Police Helicopter Rescues Man, Dogs from Va. Lake

GAINESVILLE, Va. — U.S. Park Police say a department helicopter helped rescue a man and two dogs stranded on a Prince William County lake after a canoe flooded with icy water.

The helicopter was called to Lake Manassas in Gainesville on Sunday afternoon after Prince William County fire personnel tried to enter the water in rescue suits but were hampered by dangerous conditions.

Police say a rescuer was lowered to the man and both were lifted into the aircraft and carried to the shoreline. The man was taken to a waiting ambulance where medics started treatment for severe hypothermia.

The helicopter returned to the canoe and rescuers were able to bring two dogs to shore.